[Vagus nerve stimulation for the treatment of refractory epilepsy. State of the art].
The vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) therapy is a new neurostimulation technique used for treating pharmacoresistant epilepsy. It can be considered an effective and safe alternative for the treatment of refractory epilepsy patients. In the present review, we describe the surgical implantation technique, its indications and results achieved until now. We will also summarize the possible mechanisms of action of VNS therapy. Finally, we will comment on the difficulties and inconveniences that did not allow this antiepileptic surgical technique to become more widely used.
García-March
G
G
Servicio de Neurocirugía, Hospital Clínico Universitario, Valencia.
Sánchez-Ledesma
M J
MJ
Broseta
J
J
D000818:Animals; D004567:Electrodes, Implanted; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D019635:Neurosurgical Procedures; D014630:Vagus Nerve / Q000378:metabolism / Q000601:surgery; D055536:Vagus Nerve Stimulation / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*